New here just wanting to introduce myself

I have to confess I have been lurking around the site for the past few weeks, just after I was first diagnosed with CHF.

Let me start at the begining for me. I have spent years with high cholestoral and tryglycerides without treatment. I didn't have any kind of insurance to get the meds with. Well about 2 months ago I was transported by ambulance to the hospital for internal bleeding and spent 3 days there with no insurance of any kind still. Shortly after I got out I started having shortness of breath and then my feet and legs swelled up on me. To make a long story short I racked enough unpayable medical bills to qualify for medicaid.

The doctors here have diagnosed me with CHF. I finally saw a cardioligist who is setting up an appointment 2 hours away for a heart catherzation. He seems to think I have had a silent heart attack. I don't know any of the medical terminology I see on the site about myself just have to go by what they say.

What makes my heart condition so much more scary than it is in itself is that I am also caregiver to my wife who is a 10 year stroke survivor. I just hope I have found the site I am looking for to help me get through all this mess I find myself in.

[ed34]

Welcome and I'm sorry to hear you are having such a lot of trouble. I am in a similar situation to you, I have a Wife who had a large stroke in 2009 and has had cancer management since 2003. I hope you don't hesitate to vent your problems on here, I'm sure we can all give you moral support and some explanations when needed. You will also be able to give help to others with the experiences that you've had, that's what a community like this is all about.

[ChatterAlly]

Welcome. How is it you can "rack up enough" medical bills to qualify for medicaid.  I know they are some that would be interested in this topic. Myself included. Ally

[curmudgen]

see this link - http://www.freelegaladvicehelp.com/elderly-laws/medicaid/How-To-Qualify-For-Medicaid.html

[ChatterAlly]

Thanks curmudgen, but I still wouldn't be able to qualify. So until Medicare is available I am still self pay.  I literally work for meds and doctors now. But of course the state high risk pool is very high, also. And for the first 12 months any cardiac issues are not coverd. Either way I pay out most of what I make.  A long story.  Best advice I can give anyone  NEVER ever think you will have time to get the insurance because you feel great. Once you end up in the ER and they say you have had a heart attack you are labeled!!!  That's what happened to me 3 months after the cobra ran out. Thanks again, Ally

[curmudgen]

You will just have to get older...hope we all do.   Take care.

[oldman57]

The way WV works have to accumulate $5,000 unpaid medical bills to qualify for medicaid. I think every state is different.

[oldman57]

I racked up the unpaid bills by 3 days in hospital due to some internal bleeding. Bill came to $13,000 for 3 days without insurance.